Day 7 - Off to Queensland

Well today has certainly been one with plenty of ups and downs.

Perhaps I should've just set my alarm a little earlier but that can't
be undone now. Anyway, the upshot was a late and rushed checkout where
I wasn't able to verify the room charges nor able to adequately
discuss the fact that one of the hotel housekeepers knocked over a
full bottle of aftershave. I gave up and rushed out when it was clear
I wasn't getting anywhere and it had been inferred that it could've
been all an elaborate ruse on my behalf. Grrrr. Always with the lowest
common denominator ruining things for honest people. Still, it really
isn't worth the tizz I got myself in over it.

Anyway, from there to the massage parlour with Naomi. Oh my godness,
what do I say? It was heaven. I'm not going to bother to elaborate but
I cannot remember the last time I was that relaxed. It was just so good.

So from there to the airport I get to Queensland and another curiosity
that took my high to a new low. 1. Queenstown airport's frequent
flyer lounge is - contrary to every other airport I've ever been in -
BEFORE immigration. So imagine the frustration of getting through
immigration and thinking about comfy seats, relaxing atmosphere, free
wireless, magazines, papers and a generally pleasant wait for the
plane only to realise that the wait would be in a large, noisy hall. 2
Qantas do not have a lounge in Queenstown. Now I completely realize
how much of a primadonna I sound but I really don't care. The whole
reason we paid that little bit extra to fly Qantas was to make use of
such facilities and have a more enjoyable travel experience on holiday
- I do enough of it that isn't anywhere near as enjoyable. Therefore,
just note that about flying with Qantas from Queenstown if you're
expecting lounge access.

So we got to Cairns without any further dramas. Well except that
Naomi went to the wrong car hire place who, as you'd expect, had no
knowledge of our booking. At least that's my story and I'm sticking
to it. After a short 5 minute panic we got sorted at Thrifty and on
our way to the hotel... Sweet exhausted sleep.